About to trade in my 06 300C (AWD/5.7) for a 2012 300 V6

[blacknight]

For all of you who has the V6 models, what do you think of the power and performance of the car?
I have a 2006 AWD C (5.7L) with only 61K miles and I absolutely love this car.
I have everything available (except for the navi).
I'm looking into getting the touring or the "S" model.
I would love the C (5.7L) but that will be out of my budget.

So for all who has the V6 models, what do you think of the car?
Specifically AWD models as that's what I'm leaning toward

[Khalid]

the new generation models are really good, but you will miss the sound, roar and the accelaration of a beast (HEMI)..

[Thinktwice]

I rented a 2012 V6 RWD a couple of months ago. Being that I also own a 2006 AWD, I can probably make a good comparison.

I was VERY impressed with the power. The power curve is peaky compared to the 5.7, but the 8 speed transmission really does a great job in delivering torque when you're not romping on it. I never thought that it was hunting gears all the time, which is what I was expecting with 8 gears.

Gas mileage there is no comparison. I was getting around 23-24 mpg for my spirited driving, where I would normally get 14 mpg on mine.

The interior simply blows away the 2006. The touch screen on the dash is huge! Love the push button start. The stubby gear shifter was confusing at first to operate. I never did figure out how to manually shift the gears though.

Me personally, If I could put the interior and tech goodies of the 2012 into the body of my 2006, I'd be sold!

[Torian]

Originally Posted by Thinktwice

I rented a 2012 V6 RWD a couple of months ago. Being that I also own a 2006 AWD, I can probably make a good comparison.

I was VERY impressed with the power. The power curve is peaky compared to the 5.7, but the 8 speed transmission really does a great job in delivering torque when you're not romping on it. I never thought that it was hunting gears all the time, which is what I was expecting with 8 gears.

Gas mileage there is no comparison. I was getting around 23-24 mpg for my spirited driving, where I would normally get 14 mpg on mine.

The interior simply blows away the 2006. The touch screen on the dash is huge! Love the push button start. The stubby gear shifter was confusing at first to operate. I never did figure out how to manually shift the gears though

Me personally, If I could put the interior and tech goodies of the 2012 into the body of my 2006, I'd be sold!

I got the 300S with all options save the dual moonroof.

Power has never been a problem. Recently I took a trip to Tulsa OK from El Paso TX, and was often stuck behind large semis that I needed to pass (2 at the same time). I was over 100 every time by the time I got past the them.

The V6 has plenty of pick up, and the ZF 8 speed really maximizes the power and fuel economy. Contrary to what others might think, it doesn't really hunt for gears, nor is shifting nearly as perceptible as the previous 5 speed. If you want to shift manually, you just use the shift-paddles (I've never felt the need). Mostly I just use the sport mode option if I need to drive more aggressively.

I'm honestly not a fan of AWD in these type of cars. Mechanically, I think AWD systems are all prone to more problems down the road. RWD works just fine and feels great.

I'd love to have the power that the HEMI offers, but it is a dated engine mated to a dated transmission. It's not nearly as advanced or fuel-efficient as the 3.6, and just not worth the extra cost to me plus the drop in fuel economy, when my V6 is already making close to 300hp.

[Thinktwice]

Originally Posted by Torian

I got the 300S with all options save the dual moonroof.

Power has never been a problem. Recently I took a trip to Tulsa OK from El Paso TX, and was often stuck behind large semis that I needed to pass (2 at the same time). I was over 100 every time by the time I got past the them.

The V6 has plenty of pick up, and the ZF 8 speed really maximizes the power and fuel economy. Contrary to what others might think, it doesn't really hunt for gears, nor is shifting nearly as perceptible as the previous 5 speed. If you want to shift manually, you just use the shift-paddles (I've never felt the need). Mostly I just use the sport mode option if I need to drive more aggressively.

I'm honestly not a fan of AWD in these type of cars. Mechanically, I think AWD systems are all prone to more problems down the road. RWD works just fine and feels great.

I'd love to have the power that the HEMI offers, but it is a dated engine mated to a dated transmission. It's not nearly as advanced or fuel-efficient as the 3.6, and just not worth the extra cost to me plus the drop in fuel economy, when my V6 is already making close to 300hp.

I wonder if the paddle shifter is an option on the sport model, because I don't recall my rental having them?

As far as AWD is concerned, in the northern snowy climates, it's a must! My AWD served me well during the winters in NY. Now that I've moved to sunny SC, it's like I'm the only 300C with AWD around here...

I do wish I could some burnouts from time to time though, as traction is never a problem!

[blacknight]

Originally Posted by Thinktwice

I rented a 2012 V6 RWD a couple of months ago. Being that I also own a 2006 AWD, I can probably make a good comparison.

I was VERY impressed with the power. The power curve is peaky compared to the 5.7, but the 8 speed transmission really does a great job in delivering torque when you're not romping on it. I never thought that it was hunting gears all the time, which is what I was expecting with 8 gears.

Gas mileage there is no comparison. I was getting around 23-24 mpg for my spirited driving, where I would normally get 14 mpg on mine.

The interior simply blows away the 2006. The touch screen on the dash is huge! Love the push button start. The stubby gear shifter was confusing at first to operate. I never did figure out how to manually shift the gears though.

Me personally, If I could put the interior and tech goodies of the 2012 into the body of my 2006, I'd be sold!

That's exactly what I was thinking.
Even if I could put the interior in my 2006, I would be sold.
But the 2012 AWD HEMI would simply own me financially....LOL
I guess I will keep my car and enjoy the 400 Ft, lbs of torque.
I will admit this tho....Everytime I start my car I smile.
It's not like I dont like my car because I do. I really love my car.
But I love the interior looks of the newer model...

[Northern Rider]

Why not look for a 2011 or 2012 V8, used, with low mileage?

It will have at least a 25% drop from depreciation and will still have balance of factory warranty, that I think you can upgrade to a factory extended warrany.

Just a thought . . .

[PGT]

Might want to shop for a '12 300C. I know when I was looking in June, the dealer still had '11s left and they were dealing on them to the point that it wasn't much more than a comparable 300S V6 I was looking at.

[Hemi Man]

I drove the Pentastar and was very impressed with the power. If I had one I would make some long distance trips to see family. Being retired I can't do that in this car I have now.

[doitnow]

35mpg chevy 32mpg miata,vette 10 mpg parked!! love to hear that hemi holler at 80 @ 22mpg bought used with 28k miles. rather drive less @ have more fun! have had over 100 cars @this red hemi gets more compliments than any other!!